Flybe / July 18

113 / 116

JULY 2018 / Flight Time / 113
Destinations
VERONA
Throughout summer until 1st September, the beautiful city of Verona comes alive to
the sound of arias as the Arena di Verona Opera Festival takes place. Catch your
favourite opera in the atmospheric surroundings of Verona’s ancient Roman theatre.
Dating back to the first century AD, it is the third largest Roman theatre and its elliptical
shape enhances the acoustic quality of the performances and also allows seating-
space for thousands of spectators. The festival began in 10th August 1913, with the first
performance of Aida organised by Verona tenor Giovanni Zenatello and impresario Ottone
Rovato to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi. For over a hundred
years (except for two short breaks during the two World Wars), every summer the Roman
amphitheatre is transformed into the world’s largest open-air opera theatre. Dates are as
follows: Aida – a story of love and betrayal against the backdrop of war, set in ancient Egypt:
2nd, 5th, 7th, 11th, 19th, 23rd, 29th August & 1st September; Carmen – the downfall of Don
José, a naïve soldier who falls for Carmen, set in southern Spain: 3rd, 9th, 12th, 22nd, 25th,
28th, 31st August; Barber of Seville – the story of Count Almaviva, a Spanish nobleman, who
falls in love with Rosina, the rich ward of Dr Bartolo, who wants to marry her himself: 4th, 8th,
17th, 24th, 30th August; Nabucco – the story of the Israelites’ struggle against the King of
Babylon: 10th & 18th August.
WI CK , JOHN O’GROATS
Make your break in Scotland
memorable with a stay in a stunning
castle. Dating back to the 15th
century, Ackergill Tower Castle Hotel is set
in 3,000 acres of grounds and has its own
private beach. Each en-suite room enjoys
views of either Sinclair’s Bay, the croquet
lawn or the Heart of Caithness. There
is also self-catering accommodation.
Alternatively, you could stay in Europe’s
largest treehouse, surrounded by a
150-year-old sycamore tree. Activities
including golf and fishing are available
10 minutes’ drive away.
ZADAR
Enjoy the prowess of the Imperial
Russian Ballet as it performs both
Bizet’s Carmen and Ravel’s Bolero
at the Roman Forum on 2nd August.
Carmen is a timeless story where the
characters are read as symbols of love,
passion, destiny, death and will. Bolero
was apparently written after its composer
Ravel visited a factory production line
and is considered to be one of the most
sensual works of classical music with
enchanting folk motifs recalling Spain,
Africa and Mauritania. The company
consists of 40 artists from the best ballet
schools of Russia, so you’re in for a treat.
V I ENNA
Marvel at the royal jewels of the
House of Habsburg and discover
Austria’s rich royal history at the
Imperial Treasury of Vienna at Hofburg.
The treasury, designed to keep precious
jewels and items secure, was set up in the
Hofburg palace in the 15th century. Its
treasures include two imperial crowns –
the 10th-century octagonal crown of the
Holy Roman Empire of the German nation,
and the Austrian imperial crown created
in 1602. Also on show is the treasure of the
Order of the Golden Fleece and one of
the world’s largest emeralds.
ZUR I CH
Eating out in Zurich is definitely not a
cheap affair, but for a good-value,
filling meal that won’t break the bank,
try Restaurant Ö, part of the Hotel Sternen
Oerlikon. On the constantly-changing menu
are classic French dishes as well as some
local specialities – choose from the likes of
veal, stroganoff, venison, liver with potatoes,
coq au vin and much more. There’s also a
good children’s menu. As well as fine food
for all the family, the hotel provides superior
accommodation, offering comfortable, air-
conditioned rooms with a seating area and
complimetary Wi-Fi.
F L I G H T D E TA I L S
Flybe has flights to Verona from Cardiff and Southampton.
F L I G H T D E TA I L S
Flybe’s franchise partner Eastern
Airways has flights to Wick, John
O’Groats from Aberdeen.
F L I G H T D E TA I L S
Flybe’s franchise partner Stobart
Air has flights to Zadar from London
Southend.
F L I G H T D E TA I L S
Flybe’s franchise partner Stobart Air
has flights to Vienna from London
Southend.
F L I G H T D E TA I L S
Flybe’s franchise partner Blue Islands
has flights to Zurich from Guernsey and
Jersey.
© KHM-Museumsverband